Martha Washington Cake
A vibrant cherry-flavored cake with pineapple and cherry jello, topped with Cool Whip and cherry pie filling, perfect for celebrations or a fruity dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cake mix, cherry jello, salad oil, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Mix by hand until well blended.
- Drain the crushed pineapple and save the juice.
- Fold the pineapple into the cake batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured pan.
- Bake at 275°F for 15 minutes, then increase oven temperature to 335°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and pour the reserved pineapple juice over the top.
- Chill the cake for 1 hour.
- Spread Cool Whip over the top and spoon cherry pie filling on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the salad oil with applesauce to reduce fat. If cherry chip cake mix is unavailable, a vanilla cake mix with added almond extract works well. Ensure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Folding gently will keep the cake light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served chilled, topped with Cool Whip and cherry pie filling. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or as a sweet treat at a brunch with options like Homesteader'S Quick Bread for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best results, cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Washington Cake contains roughly 158 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator after adding the pineapple juice and toppings. This will allow the flavors to meld and enhance the taste.
What can I substitute for cherry jello?
If you don't have cherry jello, raspberry or strawberry jello can be used as a substitute. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to choose a flavor that complements the cake.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used as a topping instead of cherry pie filling. Just wash, pit, and slice them, then toss with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).